Which of the following outcomes encouraged greater literacy and Bible reading among individuals?

The correct answer highlights the significant role that the expansion of Protestantism had on literacy and Bible reading among individuals. During the Reformation, one of the key tenets of Protestantism was the belief in 'sola scriptura', or the authority of Scripture alone. This idea motivated many Protestant reformers to emphasize the importance of personal interpretation of the Bible. Consequently, they advocated for making the Scriptures available in the vernacular languages, allowing ordinary people to read and engage with the Bible for themselves.

As Protestant denominations spread, there was a strong push for literacy as a means to empower individuals to read the Bible. This led to increased efforts in education, particularly in regions influenced by Protestant beliefs. Churches established schools and educational programs, thereby facilitating greater access to literacy and biblical texts. This cultural movement fundamentally shifted how individuals interacted with religious texts, fostering a tradition of personal engagement with the Scriptures that encouraged widespread reading and interpretation.

In contrast, while increased church services, the decline of Catholic influence, and the foundation of new religious orders did play roles in religious and educational contexts, they were secondary to the direct impact that the expansion of Protestantism had on promoting individual literacy and accessible Bible reading among the populace.